Automatic cigarette lightter and dispenser



June 28, 1966 v. F. ZAHODIAKIN AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND DISPENSER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 18, 1965 1NVEN TOR VICTOR F.ZAHOD|AK|N June 1966 v. F. ZAHODIAKIN AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND DISPENSER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 18, 1963 INVENTOR. VICTOR F.ZAHOD|AKIN BY 0 4 h 1.=-1e-. 4.. 3

June 28, 1966 v, F. ZAHODIAKIN AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND DISPENSER Filed Sept. 18, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. F IG-.6. VICTOR FZAHODIAKIN 0 .IUJ vb.-. M O I 0 2 W6 7 1 m A0 I u CIIL Q 2 jlQlv/IIIJ o r F I. .llll

Patented June 28, 1966 3,258,157 AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND DISPENSER Victor F. Zahodiakin, River Road and Morris Turnpike,

Summit, NJ. Filed Sept. 18, 1963, Ser. No. 309,73

12 Claims. (Cl. 221-97) My invention relates to cigarette lighters generally and specifically to an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser adapted for installation in automobiles or other vehicles or where it is dangerous or undesirable to attempt to withdraw a cigarette from a pack or receptacle and light it by hand.

Many accidents occur when an automobile driver takes his hand from the wheel and diverts his attention from the road while attempting' to obtain a cigarette from a pack and light it by hand with either a match or an electrical dashboard lighter while the vehicle is in motion. Even if the electrical dashboard lighter is employed the driver must take one hand from the wheel, diverting his attention from the road, to take a cigarette from a pack, energize the lighter, Withdraw it from the dashboard socket, lift it to the end of the cigarette, obtain an adequate light, and return the still hot lighter to the socket. In addition, this process requires the driver to take one hand completely from the wheel and while steadying the cigarette, partially interfere with other hand. Many persons have been seriously burned by accidents when mishandling the red hot lighter, frequently losing control of the automobile. Thus, there is great need for a completely automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser which eliminates the need for the driver to divert his attention from the road altogether and take his hand from the wheel for all but -a mere fleeting moment, or to obtain a cigarette from an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser by a foot-actuator, thereby avoiding all danger in connection with lighting of cigarettes while the car is in motion.

Automatic cigarette lighters have been proposed, but, none have proven commercially or functionally successful. Previously known devices all fail to provide means for exhausting both volatile and solid combustion products from the cigarette. Consequently, after a short period of time, such volatile combustion products as resins, tars, ammonia and the like deposit on the interior of the mechanism damaging or fouling components thereof, particularly moving components, rendering the machine inoperative. In addition, solid ash collects in the machine particularly in the vicinity of the heating element and rapidly renders it inoperative.

Another defect common to all presently known cigarette lighters and dispensers is that insuflicient oxygen is supplied to the end of the cigarette as it is being lighted. Consequently, the cigarette fails to ignite properly or at all.

Therefore, it is among the objects and advantages of my invention to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser which, upon the mere actuation of a switch by hand or foot, energizes an electrical circuit thereby transporting a single cigarette from a receptacle to a heating element, engaging the heating element to the cigarette, energizing the heating element while simultaneously pushing the cigarette through an opening in the machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which both volatile combustion products such as resins, tars, ammonia and the like as well as solid ash and potash are exhausted from the interior of the machine and passed into a condenser and collector which may be periodically emptied with ease.

Still another object of myvinvention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which all volatile combustion products and some solid combustion products are forceably expelled from the machine at high velocity and are thereby dispersed into areas remote from the machine. I

A further object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which a stream of oxygen-bearing fresh air is forceably fed axially into theend of the cigarette while it is being ignited.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which an indicator light advises the driver that the cigarette has been lighted and is ready for withdrawal from the machine.

Yet a further object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which the cigarette may remain in the machine after being lighted Without damaging the machine or'creating the danger of fire.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser having an easily detachable and disposable cigarette carrier insert which may be replaced after excessive use.

Yet still a further object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser which may be coupled with any well-known coin-operated circuit actuator adapted to energize the apparatus.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser which may be assembled into a very compact unit which may be easily installed in a limited space.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser which may be assembled from inexpensive, durable parts which are not subject to damage or malfunction from shock, vibration, extreme temperature, moisture, dust and the like com monly encountered in motor vehicles.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which the driver need only withdraw a lighted cigarette from the dashboard by feel after receipt of a signal thereby eliminating the necessity of diverting attention from the road.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in which a lighted cigarette projects from the dashboard and cannot be accidentally forced rearwardly into the dashboard.

These objects and advantages as well as other objects and advantages may be achieved by my invention one embodiment of which is illustrated in the drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a partially cross-sectioned, top plan vie of one embodiment of my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view thereof, showing a pivotal heating element rocker arm;

FIGURE 3 is -a front elevational, cross-sectional view taken on a line 3-3 in both FIGURES 1 and 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view with the base and starting switch removed;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of four camsemployed, respectively from top to bottom, to drive the cigarette transfer slide, the heating element, the pivotal rocker arm and two cams to actuate two micro switches;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic, electrical circuit diagram employed by my cigarette lighter and dispenser;

FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of a coin-operated actuating mechanism coupled tothe electrical circuit shown in FIGURE 6 and adapted to close the circuit energizing the machine.

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational, partially cross-sectional view of a detachable and disposable insert for the cigarette transfer slide.

FIGURE 9 is a side'eleva'tional view of FIGURE 8.

My cigarette lighter and dispenser com-prises generally a cigarette receptacle or hopper which is adapted to gravity feed cigarettes one at a time to a power driven reciprocating transfer slide having an arcuate, depending cigarette carrier formed on one end. The slide transfers the cigarette from the hopper to axially intercept a reciprocating heating element which lights the end of the cigarette and simultaneously slides it axially along the carrier to project through an opening in the machine. In addition a motor drives two impellers, the upper of which generates a vacuum in a substantially enclosed space wherein the cigarette is lighted, exhausting combustion products therefrom into a vented condenser. This impeller also generates pressure in the condenser forceably discharging and widely dispersing volatile combustion products through a plurality of vent holes in the upper portion of the condenser while solid materials remain at the base of the condenser. The discharge and dispersion of volatile combustion products from the machine will prevent their deposit on operating parts thereof and furthermore will prevent accumulation of tar and deposits in surrounding areas. Without such provisions, deposits of tar will accumulate on various surfaces in the path of the escaping smoke. The lower impeller on the opposite end of the motor generates a stream of fresh air which is directed by passages axially at the end of the cigarette through the heating element to enhance the proper li hting of the cigarette by supplying additional oxygen.

The lower impeller is isolated from the condenser by a partition to prevent ashes and smoke from entering the stream of fresh air.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, my invention comprises a fiat, horizontal base 11 having a generally vertical upstanding front wall 12 and a generally vertical, upstanding rear wall 13, parallel to the front wall 12, mounted thereon. A transmission housing 14 is mounted between the front wall 12 and the rear wall 13 above the base 11. An electrical motor 15 is mounted on the top 16 of the transmission housing 14. The power output shaft 17 of the motor 15 extends downwardly into the transmission housing 14 through a bushing 18 mounted in the top 16 thereof. The end of the power output shaft 17 in the transmission housing 14 is integrally connected to a pinion gear 19'. Gear 19 is meshed with a larger gear 26 mounted on and for rotation with shaft 21 rotatably mounted in a bushing 22 seated in the top 16 of the transmission housing 14. The end of the shaft 21 beneath the gear is provided with a second pinion gear 23 adapted to rotate therewith which is in turn meshed with a larger gear 24 mounted on and for rotation with a second shaft 25 rotatably mounted in the transmission housing 14. smaller gear 26 adapted to rotate therewith and mounted beneath the larger gear 24. The smaller gear 26 is meshed with a larger gear 27 mounted on and for rotation with a transmission power output shaft 28 extending downwardly through a bushing 29 in the transmission housing 14. The respective gears 19, 20, 23, 24, 26 and 27 constitute a speed reduction transmission the specific structural details of which are not an essential part of my invention.

A cigarette receptacle or hopper 30 is mounted above the base 11. The receptacle or hopper 30 comprises a genera-11y vertical front wall 31 which may be mounted on the base 11 and a generally vertical upstanding rear wall 32 generally parallel to the front wall 31. The front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 are separated by a distance slightly greater than the length of the longest cigarette which is to be accommodated by the hopper 39. The hopper 30 is provided with a bottom 33 positioned above the base 11 and having a fiat under surface 34. The upper surface 35 of the bottom 33 is inclined downwardly away from the transmission housing 14- at an angle of approximately 15 from the horizontal. An end wall 36 extends between the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 terminating at the bottom 33. The bottom 33 terminates short of the end wall 36 thereby defining an elongated passage or slot 37 extending between the front wall 31 and ti e rear wall 32. The slot 37 is dimensioned slightly The second shaft 25 is provided with another wider than the diameter of the cigarette to be accommodated by the machine. The hopper 30 is also provided with a removable or hinged top 38.

A transfer slide 39 is slidably mounted on the flat under surface 34 of the bottom 33 of the hopper 30. The

slide 39 is generally T-shaped having a longitudinal member 43 lying parallel to the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the hopper 3d. The longitudinal member 40 of the transfer slide 39 is provided with an elongated slot 41 the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the front wall 31 and rear wall 32 and at right angles to the slot 37 of the hopper 39, and, when extended, passes through the center of the power output shaft 28 extending beneath the housing 14. A cross-member 42 is formed integrally with the longitudinal member 4%, perpendicular thereto and of symmetrical design. An elongated, arcuate, depending cigarette carrier 43 is formed integrally on the end of the cross member 42 opposite the longitudinal member 40.

The longitudinal axis of the arcuate carrier 43 is parallel to the end wall 36 and under surface 34 of the hopper 30. The reciprocating transfer slide 39 is slidably mounted to the flat under surface 34 of the bottom 33 by means of an elongated, generally T-shaped guide 44 mounted on the under surface 34 by screws 45, 45. The guide 44 comprises an elongated, generally vertical, upstanding base mernber 46, slidably fitted in a slot 41. An elongated, generally horizontal cross-member 47 is formed integrally with the bottom of the base member 46, extending on opposite sides thereof. The cross member 47 is slidably engaged to the bottom of the longitudinal member 40 of the slide 39, retaining the slide in slidable engagement with the under surface 34 of the bottom 33 and insuring reciprocation along the axis of the slot 41.

The end of the longitudinal member 40 of the transfer slide 39 opposite the cross member 42 is provided with a pair of parallel but separated mounting ears 48, 48. A circular cam follower 49 is rotatably mounted between the ears 48, 48 by means of a pin 50. The under surface 34 of the bottom 33 of the hopper 30 is provided with a pair of anchor pins 51, 51 mounted thereto on opposite sides of the longitudinal member 40 of the slide 39. The cross member 42 is also provided with a pair of anchor pins 52, 52 mounted on opposite sides of the longitudinal member 40 on axes passing through pins 51, 51 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of member 40. A pair of coil springs 53, 53 are mounted between the respective pins 51, 52 and 51, 52 normally urging the slide 39 into direct contact with a cam by means of a cam follower 49. A reciprocating transfer slide drive cam 54 is mounted on the transmission power output shaft 28 for rotation therewith in a plane generally parallel to and coincident with the plane of the slide 39. The cam follower 49, rotatably mounted on the end of the longitudinal member 40 of the slide 39, is adapted to continuously engage and follow the peripheral cam surface of cam 54 under the urging of spring 53, 53.

A support 55 is mounted on the rear wall 32 of the hopper 30. The support 55 is provided with a cylindrical, transverse passage 56 the axis of which is generally coincident with the axis of the arcuate retainer 43 on the reciprocating transfer slide 39. An annular mounting cylinder 57 is seated within the passage 56 extending rearwardly therefrom. The cylinder 57 is provided with an elongated slot 58 lying ,in a generally horizontal plane passing through the axis of the cylinder 57. A reciprocating piston 59 is slidably mounted in the cylinder 57 extending forwardly through support 55 in the direction of the arcuate cigarette carrier 43. The end of the piston 59 adjacent to carrier 43 is provided with an electrical heating element 60 whose face is generally perpendicular to the axis of the carrier 43.

A second sealed-in electrical motor 61 is mounted on the bottom of the base 11 generally beneath the end of the arcuate carrier 43 adjacent to the heating element 60. It should be noted that the arcuate carrier 43 does not extend across the entire side of the cross member 42 of the slide 39 but terminates a distance short of the rear end thereof equal to a distance slightly greater than the distance the lighted cigarette is to extend beyond the machine in order to be withdrawn therefrom. The base 11 is provided with an opening 62 immediately above the motor 61. An impeller 63 is mounted on the power output shaft 64 of the motor 61 immediately beneath the opening 62 and is adapted to generate a vacuum, drawing a stream of air of high velocity downwardly through the opening 62. An elongated funnel 65 is mounted on the base 11 immediately above the opening 62, extending upwardly to a point immediately beneath the rear end of the arcuate carrier 43. The funnel 65 is adapted to concentrate the flow of air downwardly over the rear end of the carrier 43 and the face of heating element 60 when element 60 is in the rearmost position. The motor 61 is mounted within a condenser 66 which is provided with plurality of vent holes 67 in the upper portion thereof. The suction provided by impeller 63 will draw smoke and vapor and any loose materials, such as ashes and crumbs of tobacco, down through funnel 65 into the enclosure provided by condenser 66. The solid materials will gravitate to the bottom 69 of the condenser chamber. Said bottom is a baffle at the lower end of and supporting motor 61 the shaft 64 whereof extends downwardly through the baffle. The peripheral edges of said bottom or bafile 69 follow the contour of and form a closure with the side walls of the condenser. The impeller 63 of course creates pressure within the condenser chamber and 'that pressure is relieved by escape through holes 67, the

escaping air carrying with it and dissipating smoke and vapors. The suction is effective to keep the interior of the receptacle from becoming contaminated or residues forming on working parts, as all loose tobacco, tars, smoke and vapors in the range of influence of the suction are drawn toward and into the condenser, thereby preventing deposits occurring elsewhere in the apparatus. A second impeller 68 is mounted on the lower end of the power output shaft 64 of the motor 61. Said bafile 69 separates the upper portion of the condenser 66 from the second impeller 68. The second impeller 68 is adapted to draw fresh air through a passage 112in the bottom of the condenser 66, forcing it radially outwardly through conduit 70 to passage 71 in support 55 and cylinder 57. Passage 71 communicates with a longitudinal, internal passage 72 in cylinder 57 which, in turn, is adapted to continuously communicate with a radial passage 73 in the piston 59. Radial passage 73 communicates with an axial passage 74 in piston 59 discharging fresh air axially through the heating element 60. Thus, a stream of oxygen bearing fresh air is supplied directly and axially to the end of the cigarette while engaged to the heating element 60.

Support 55 is provided with a rearwardly extending arm 75 having a bifurcated mounting end 76. An elongated, heating element rocker arm 77 is pivotally mounted to end 76 by a pin 78. One end of arm 77 is pivotally and floatably mounted in a transverse slot 117 in the end of piston 59 opposite the heating element 60, the end of arm 77 extending through and slidably mounted in longitudinal slot 58 in cylinder 57. The opposite end of arm 77 is pivotally and floatably mounted in a transverse slot 118 in the end of a push rod 79. Push rod 79 is slidably mounted within a rearwardly extending, annular cylinder 80 secured to the rear wall 13 of the transmission housing 14. Cylinder 80 is also provided with an'elongated slot 81 through which the end of arm 77 extends and is slidably mounted. One end of a coil spring 82 is engaged to the arm 77 between the pivot pin 78 and the push rod 79, the opposite end of spring 82 being attached to an anchor pin 119 on an annular base 83 of the cylinder 80. Coil spring 82 normally urges the arm 77 to pivot about pin 78 moving the push rod 79 forwardly into the transmission housing 14.

The end of push rod 79 extending into transmission housing 14 is provided with a circular cam follower 84 rotatably mounted on pin 85. Cam follower 84 is adapted to continuously follow the cam surface of the heating element rocker arm drive cam 86 generating proper movements to the rocker arm 77 which in turn provides the necessary axial movement for the heating element 60 during operation of the machine. The cam 86 is mounted immediately beneath the cam 54 on power output shaft 28.

An electrical microswitch 87 is mounted on an angular support 88 attached to the transmission housing 14. The actuating arm 89 thereof extends through a passage 90 in the support 88 to continuously follow a microswitch actuating cam 91 mounted on and for rotation with the transmission power output shaft 28 immediately beneath the heating element rocker arm drive cam 86. A second microswitch 92 is mounted on the front wall 12 of the transmission housing 14. The actuating arm 93 of microswitch 92 extends through a passage 94 in the front wall 12 and continuously follows a second microswitch actuating cam 95 mounted on and for rotation with transmission power output shaft 28 immediately beneath microswitch actuating cam 91. The respective earns 54, 86, 91 and are secured to shaft 28 by nut 96 and are retained in precise registration with each other by means of pin 97 extending transversely through holes therein, respectively 113, 114, 115 and 116.

In the alternative when my machine is installed in an automobile, a foot operated switch 127 may be provided to momentarily close the operating circuit, thereby eliminating the necessary of taking a hand from the wheel.

A starter switch 98 is mounted on a support bracket 99 attached to the base 11. An indicator light 100 is mounted on the front wall 31. A third microswitch 101 is mounted on the base 11 and is adapted to periodically engage and be disengaged from the side of the rocker arm 77 between pin 78 and push rod 79. Electrical terminals 102 and 103 are provided for connecting the electrical circuit of the machine to a source of current (see FIG. 1). The electrical circuit is shown in FIG. 6.

The operation of the machine is as follows: the starter switch 98 or foot switch 127 is actuated to energize the circuit to the transmission motor 15. The motor 15 is immediately energized and shaft 28 commences to rotate, rotating microswitch actuating cam 95. Microswitch actuating cam 95 is provided with a generally circular cam surface having but one small recess 104. Slight rotation of cam 95 moves actuating arm 93 outwardly closing the main circuit controlled thereby. This circuit remains closed for the remainder of the cycle, the transmission motor 15 continues to run until the actuating arm 93 of microswitch 92 again engages recess 104, opening the circuit and de-energizing the entire machine.

Continued rotation of transmission power output shaft 28, rotating transfer slide drive cam 54 causes slide 39 to reciprocate, first moving toward the transmission housing 14 until the arcuate cigarette carrier 43 is in vertical registration with slot 37 between the end wall 36 and the bottom 33 of the hopper 30. Gravity then feeds a single cigarette 105 downwardly through the slot 37 into the carrier 43; the slide 39 then moves forwardly to intercept heating element 60.

Simultaneously heating element rocker arm drive cam 86 rotates pivoting arm 77 about pin 78, first moving the piston 59 and heating element 60 rearwardly away from the carrier 43. As soon as carrier 43 becomes coaxial with heating element 60, the rocker arm 77 begins to move heating element 60 forwardly to engage the end of cigarette 105.

It should be noted that as soon as the main electrical circuit is closed by. microswitch 92, the heating element 60 is energized and heats throughout the full cycle of operation.

As the heating element 60 begins to move forwardly, microswitch actuating cam 91 closes microswitch 87 energizing the circuit to motor 61. Operation of motor 61 rotates impeller 63 generating a stream of air downwardly through opening 62 in the base 11 exhausting all combustion products from the vicinity of the cigarette bounded by the hopper and baffle wall 107, forcing the combustion products into condenser 66 through funnel 65. When slide 39 reaches its outermost position, carrier 43 will lie coaxial with the heating element 60. Transfer slide drive cam 54 now causes the slide 39 and carrier 43 to dwell in the outermost position while the heating element moves forwardly to engage the cigarette 105. An adjustable, spring loaded finger 106, mounted on the end wall 36 of the hopper 30 frictionally engages the cigarette 105 seated in carrier 43 maintaining it in relatively tight engagement with heating element 60. As the heating element 60 engages the cigarette 105 and continues to move forwardly, the cigarette 105 slides in the carrier 43 beneath the spring loaded finger 106 to project through an opening in the machine. At the same time, motor 61, rotating impeller 68, generates a stream of fresh air which passes through conduit and passages '11, 72, 73 and 74 and is directed axially at the end of the cigarette 105 through heating element 60 thereby providing additional oxygen to ignite the cigarette. Immediately before the end of the stroke of heating element 60 the rocker arm 77 actuates microswitch 101 closing the circuit to the indicator lamp 100, which remains lighted till the end of the cycle. Further rotation of the transmission power output shaft 28 returns recess 104 in cam to its initial position opening microswitch 92, deenergizing the entire operating circuit. The cigarette 105 is now lighted and projects from the machine. As stated above, heating element 60 has three operating purposes: first to light cigarette 105, second to move the lighted cigarette out from the machine, and third, since the heating element 60 at the end of the cycle remains in its outermost position, the lighted cigarette 1.05 projecting from the machine, cannot be accidentally moved inwardly, the heating element 60 acting like a stop. The indicator light 100 has now informed the driver that the cigarette is ready for withdrawal. Should the driver fail to withdraw the lighted cigarette promptly, it will become extinguished in a short time for a lack of air. The ashes will fall into the funnel 65 of condenser 66 and will be deposited at the base of condenser 66 during the next ensuing cycle. Although motor 61 is a de-energized at the end of the cycle, no damage from combustion products will occur since the cigarette will burn for but a short period of time and the mechanism is separated from the cigarette lying in the carrier 43 by the hopper 30, bafile wall 107, and transmission housing 14.

In FIGURE 8, I have shown a disposable cigarette carrier insert 108 having an ash pan 128 beneath it. The insert 108 is detachab ly seated in the slide 109 by means of detents 110. A pull tab 111 is provided on the end of the insert 108 to facilitate its removal with-out dismantling of machine. The ashtray 128 beneath the slide 109 collects. ashes through holes 108' which may fall from the cigarette during manual withdrawal from the machine. Should :the insert 108 become ifou'led from combustion products, it may be quickly and easily removed and an inexpensive, new insert 108 installed.

In FIGURE 7, I have shown schematically a coin operated mechanism adapted to actuate my device. A coin slot is provided adapted to receive a coin 121. A pivotal contact arm 122 is mounted with one end thereof 123 extending into the slot 120. The opposite end of arm 122 is provided with an electrical contact 124 adapted for engagement with an opposing electrical contact 125 in the operating circuit 126. As the coin 121 passes through the slot 12.0, the end 123 of arm 122 rises causing the con-tact 124 on the opposite end thereof to engage contact 125 closing the operating circuit momentarily. Transmission motor 15 is immediately energized and shaft 28 commences to rotate, rotating micro switch actuating cam 95 which closes micro-switch 92 energizing the main circuit fora full cycle. The remainder of the cycle operates in the manner set forth above.

I claim:

1. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser, comprising a cigarette receptacle, reciprocating cigarette trans-fer rneans providing a hollowed cigarette carrier wherein one cigarette at a time lodges from the receptacle and is transported laterally during each reciprocation of the carrier to a predetermined position at the exterior of the receptacle, a heating element beyond one end of said carrier axially aligned with the hollow of said carrier and cigarette therein when at said predetermined position and with one end of the cigarette engaged by said heating element, said heating element having a forward axial movement after engagement with the proximate end of the cigarette continuing as an effective operational stroke simultaneously igniting the proximate end of the cigarette and pushing the cigarette longitudinally and partially ejecting the unlit end axially along the carrier and causing said unlit end to project beyond said carrier in position offering said unlit end to be grasped and the cigarette to be withdrawn longitudinally, driving mechanism subject to initial instigation and automatic unattended continuance thereafter of operational driving steps through a complete cycle of steps of reciprocating the transfer means and heating element including energizing, retracting, forwardly moving, stopping and de-energizing said heating element and including reciprocating the carrier for receiving another cigarette from the receptacle and finally stopping the cycle of operation with said steps performed in successive timed relationship to each other as a complete uninterrupted cycle of operation when once instigated, said driving mechanism ending the cycle of operation only after the cigarette has been pushed longitudinally with its unlit end presented to be grasped, and means completely partitioning the cigarette receptacle and driving mechanism from the heating element and from the cigarette being lit and ejected, thereby protecting the cigarettes in said receptacle and the driving mechanism from infiltration of smoke and deposit of tar and the like therein and thereon.

2. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lighter and dispenser has a predetermined cycle of operation of its moving parts, and wherein means is provided in said dispenser and lighter creating a vacuum during said cycle effective on said moving parts thereof for keeping them free of products of combustion from the lighted cigarette and for removing the ash from the lighted cigarette.

'3. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 1, wherein exhaust means lateral to the carrier and heating element is provided drawing combustion products laterally away from the cigarette both While the heating element is lighting said proximate end of the cigarette and during ejection of the cigarette longitudinally. Y

4. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 1., wherein ash-receiving means is provided beneath said predetermined position of the cigarette, said means receiving ash gravitatinlg from the lit end of the cigarette and having an opening dimensioned longitudinally of the cigarette commensurate with the length of said stroke of the heating element and at a location under the end of the cigarette proximate to said heating element.

5. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 4, wherein means tending to create a vacuum in said ash-receiving means at its opening is provided supplementing gravitational introduction of ash to said ash-receiving means, and within the range of influence of said vacuum keeps the interior of the device and its operating mechanisms from becoming contaminated by residues forming otherwise normally therein and thereon.

6. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 5, wherein said ash-receiving means is funnel shaped for increasing downward velocity of solid matter entering the same.

7. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 1, wherein a condenser chamber is provided beneath the end to be lit of the cigarette when said cigarette is in its said predetermined position, a motor in said chamber said motor having an impeller thereon for drawing products of combustion from the cigarette into said chamber, said chamber having exhaust openings for relieving pressure exerted by said impeller, the impeller creating a vacuum increasing velocity of solid particles to cause them to dash to the bottom of said chamber away from influence of air flow escaping through said exhaust openings, and a second impeller on said motor functioning exterior to said chamber and creating pressure of fresh air, and means conveying said fresh air to the end of the cigarette where being lit.

8. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for reciprocating the transfer means and heating element comprises a single motor having one cam operating the transfer means and another cam operating the reciprocation of the heating element simultaneously, whereby the timed relation of operation of the transfer means and of the heating element always remains constant.

9. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser comprising a cigarette receptacle, a reciprocating cigarette transfer means adapted to receive one cigarette from the receptacle during each reciprocating cycle and transport it laterally to a predetermined position at the exterior of the receptacle, a heating element reciprocating in direction transverse to reciprocation of said transfer means and having location at one end of the cigarette upon arrival of the cigarette at said predetermined position, said heating element in its reciprocation during part of its cycle engaging with said end of the cigarette and simultaneously igniting the same and partially ejecting the cigarette longitudinally of itself and transversely of the direction in.

which it was reciprocated to the said predetermined position, exhaust means proximate to said predetermined position of the cigarette effective to draw combustion products away from the cigarette when lit and while on said transfer means outside of the receptacle, fresh air supply means adapted to generate and direct a stream of fresh air toward the end of the cigarette while the cigarette is engaged by the heating element, means for reciprocating the transfer means and heating element in timed relationship to each other, and means for energizing the recipcating means and the heating element and also the exhaust and the fresh air supply means at the beginning of the cycle of operation of each and de-energizizng the same at the completion of the cycle of operation thereof.

10. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 9, wherein a single motor produces a stream of fresh air at the end of the cigarette where being lit, and also produces said vacuum, and said vacuum being effective both with respect to the cigarette being lit and throughout the lighter and dispenser generally, and said vacuum and stream of air occurring simultaneously one for as long a time as the other.

11. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser in accordance with claim 9, wherein the means for energizing the heating element functions in its heating condition simultaneously with retraction from its cigarette engaging and pushing position before said element engages the cigarette to light and push it forwardly, and the means deenergizing said heating element functioning to do so at the end of the forward reciprocating stroke of said heating element.

12. An automatic cigarette lighter and dispenser comprising a cigarette receptacle having an elongated slot in the bottom thereof adapted to pass a cigarette therethrough one at a time, cigarette transfer means providing a hollowed carrier mounted for reciprocation to and from said slot to receive a cigarette and transport it to a predetermined position at the exterior of the receptacle, a first rotating cam operatively engaged to the cigarette transfer means for reciprocating the same, a heating element mounted for reciprocation in generally perpendicular intercepting relationship to said carrier in a location at an end to be lit of the cigarette when said cigarette is at its said predetermined position, a pivotal rocker arm having one end operatively connected to the heating element, a second rotating cam rotatable with the first said cam, a push rod connected at one end thereof to the end of said rocker arm opposite from the heating element, the other end of said push rod having operative engagement with said second cam, a motor driving said first and second cams and rotating the same in timed relationship to each other whereby the cigarette carrier means remains relatively immovable as the heating element engages the cigarette carried thereby, simultaneously igniting the cigarette and partially ejecting it longitudinally along the carrier, exhaust means in a location beneath the cigarette when in said predetermined position, said exhaust means adapted to draw combustion products away from the cigarette while-in intercepting relationship to the heating element, a second motor operating'said exhaust means, fresh air supply means operated by said second motor and adapted to generate and direct a stream of fresh air toward the end of the cigarette where and while in engagement with the heating element, means for energizing the heating element before it engages the cigarette and deenergizing the same at the end of the reciprocating stroke of the heating element, and means for energizing said motors for a complete cycle of operation of the cigarette transfer means and of the heater element and de-energizing the same at the end of the cycle.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,074,925 3/1937 Krause 221-147 2,083,464 6/1937 Mayer 221147 2,182,955 12/1939 Allen 221 2,232,125 2/1941 McChristian 221145 2,370,230 2/1945 Cheechoo 221145 2,878,960 3/1959 Holtsch 2214 FOREIGN PATENTS 854,724 1/ 1940 France. 336,661 10/1930 Great Britain.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

KENNETH L. LEIMER, Examiner. 

1. AN AUTOMATIC CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND DISPENSER, COMPRISING A CIGARETTE RECEPTACLE, RECIPROCATING CIGARETTE TRANSFER MEANS PROVIDING A HOLLOWED CIGARETTE CARRIER WHEREIN ONE CIGARETTE AT A TIME LODGES FROM THE RECEPTACLE AND IS TRANSPORTED LATERALLY DURING EACH RECIPROCATION OF THE CARRIER TO A PREDETERMINED POSITION AT THE EXTERIOR OF THE RECEPTACLE, A HEATING ELEMENT BEYOND ONE END OF SAID CARRIER AXIALLY ALIGNED WITH THE HOLLOW OF SAID CARRIER AND CIGARETTE THEREIN WHEN AT SAID PREDETERMINED POSITION AND WITH ONE END OF THE CIGARETTE ENGAGED BY SAID HEATING ELEMENT, SAID HEATING ELEMENT HAVING A FORWARD AXIAL MOVEMENT AFTER ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PROXIMATE END OF THE CIGARETTE CONTINUING AS AN EFFECTIVE OPERATIONAL STROKE SIMULTANEOUSLY IGNITING THE PROXIMATE END OF THE CIGARETTE AND PUSHING THE CIGARETTE LONGITUDINALLY AND PARTIALLY EJECTING THE UNLIT END AXIALLY ALONG THE CARRIER AND CAUSING SAID UNLIT END TO PROJECT BEYOND SAID CARRIER IN POSITION OFFERING SAID UNLIT END TO BE GRASPED AND THE CIGARETTE TO BE WITHDRAWN LONGITUDINALLY, DRIVING MECHANISM SUBJECT TO INITIAL INSTIGATION AND AUTOMATIC UNATTENDED CONTINUANCE THEREAFTER OF OPERATIONAL DRIVING STEPS THROUGH A COMPLETE CYCLE OF STEPS OF RECIPROCATING THE TRANSFER MEANS AND HEATING ELEMENT INCLUDING ENERGIZING, RETRACTING, FORWARDLY MOVING, STOPPING AND DE-ENERGIZING SAID HEATING ELEMENT AND INCLUDING RECIPROCATING THE CARRIER FOR RECEIVING ANOTHER CIGARETTE FROM THE RECEPTACLE AND FINALLY STOPPING THE CYCLE OF OPERATION WITH SAID STEPS PERFORMED IN SUCCESSIVE TIMED RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER AS A COMPLETE UNINTERRUPTED CYCLE OF OPERATION WHEN ONCE INSTIGATED, SAID DRIVING MECHANISM ENDING THE CYCLE OF OPERATION ONLY AFTER THE CIGARETTE HAS BEEN PUSHED LONGITUDINALLY WITH ITS UNLIT END PRESENTED TO BE GRASPED, AND MEANS COMPLETELY PARTITIONING THE CIGARETTE RECEPTACLE AND DRIVING MECHANISM FROM THE HEATING ELEMENT AND FROM THE CIGARETTE BEING LIT AND EJECTED, THEREBY PROTECTING THE CIGARETTES IN SAID RECEPTACLE AND THE DRIVING MECHANISM FROM INFILTRATION OF SMOKE AND DEPOSIT OF TAR AND THE LIKE THEREIN AND THEREON. 